Definitely going to check it out, though very disappointed about one "guest" they chose to represent the Toronto cosplay community. Dude is neither a master-level cosplayer nor a worthwhile contributor to panels and workshops. Very disappoint.

You are disappointed why? Antonio may not be a master cosplayer but he DOES run the ontario cosplay community group, which hosts tons of meet ups,tables at cons,helps cosplayers, promotes events etc. Antonio runs it really well despite it being a HUGE group. I am actually really happy that they made him a guest! He does a lot of work for our community, so I think he deserves it. Just cause you don't like him as a person doesn't mean that you can dismiss all the things he's done

You are disappointed why? Antonio may not be a master cosplayer but he DOES run the ontario cosplay community group, which hosts tons of meet ups,tables at cons,helps cosplayers, promotes events etc. Antonio runs it really well despite it being a HUGE group. I am actually really happy that they made him a guest! He does a lot of work for our community, so I think he deserves it. Just cause you don't like him as a person doesn't mean that you can dismiss all the things he's done

I'm not going to undersell his efforts to be integrated as part of the community, and my dislike isn't personal, it's professional. It's the fact that he's been a gigantic nuisance to other conventions, including two I work for and one which I run. It doesn't help that he's also "promoted" other groups and events poorly and often without contacting them first, resulting in misrepresentation.

ie: A certain charity group was "represented" by him recently, only to learn that he was making it look like he had something to do with them, when he didn't at all.

My take? He's an opportunist who wants attention. As someone heavily invested in the community, I can't brook that kind of behaviour. He can be a promoter and involved all he likes, but he isn't a master-level cosplayer (which is what he billed himself as, so that's misrepresentation), and there are dozens of individuals who work far harder and are far more qualified to speak for the Ontario cosplay community at large.

That said, I've put what I want on the table about the matter. I'm not going to argue any further for his involvement/non-involvement, but I felt the need to make it clear why so many people are protesting his guest spot. It seems the protests have been loud enough that he's been removed anyway, so there's that.

So as not to distract from actual beneficial conversation about Unplugged, if you'd like to argue the point, my inbox is always open.

I wish I was going! ;A; But my family will be out of town that weekend and I have no way of getting there.... Maybe next time? If I hear enough good things about this con, I'd love to check it out next time!!! (and stop missing out on all these cool Canadian conventions over the summertime *sobs sobs*) I hope to see lots of pictures of people cosplaying from this con afterwards!~

Quote:

Originally Posted by HidoshiNobunaga

I'm not going to undersell his efforts to be integrated as part of the community, and my dislike isn't personal, it's professional. It's the fact that he's been a gigantic nuisance to other conventions, including two I work for and one which I run. It doesn't help that he's also "promoted" other groups and events poorly and often without contacting them first, resulting in misrepresentation.

ie: A certain charity group was "represented" by him recently, only to learn that he was making it look like he had something to do with them, when he didn't at all.

My take? He's an opportunist who wants attention. As someone heavily invested in the community, I can't brook that kind of behaviour. He can be a promoter and involved all he likes, but he isn't a master-level cosplayer (which is what he billed himself as, so that's misrepresentation), and there are dozens of individuals who work far harder and are far more qualified to speak for the Ontario cosplay community at large.

That said, I've put what I want on the table about the matter. I'm not going to argue any further for his involvement/non-involvement, but I felt the need to make it clear why so many people are protesting his guest spot. It seems the protests have been loud enough that he's been removed anyway, so there's that.

So as not to distract from actual beneficial conversation about Unplugged, if you'd like to argue the point, my inbox is always open.

...It sounds like Antonio must be doing something right to get where he is at right now. If he wasn't, and was a complete nuisance, he wouldn't be where he is at. Sure he may not be a 'master level' cosplayer but you know, sometimes it is the more lowly cosplayers who are a greater inspiration to people, than those who are at a higher class! He DOES do a lot of work organizing groups, and is known by enough people in the cosplay community for that reason. He is also very talented with makeup. I guess my eyes see Antonio differently than yours, I have yet to see that 'opportunist who wants attention' side of him as you have described, hahaha! But as far as I am concerned, he truly DOES care about the cosplay community and works hard for it, and I think that is really sweet. Some people couldn't care less.~ ^^

__________________Due to health, I cannot work on cosplays like I was able to in the past. :'( Or attend cons with ease. Few cosplays that I am working on (when body allows) are:Vampire Hunter D - D (Amano ver.) 5%Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess - Zelda 15%

Going back to Canada on Thursday; so I will hopefully make my return to Canadian cons for Unplugged =D not to sure on Cosplay yet XD
I really want to wear my Red Alice in Wonderland outfit... but dont know for which character...

Aradia in Wonderland
or
Meiko Alice Human Sacrifice? what do you guys think? XD
something I dont know XD

*And on the talk with Antonio; he is a wonderful guy! I have talked to him on multiple occasions and I am also a admin for the Ontario Cosplay Community for the Barrie region =3
I would love the opportunity to meet him in person and really its a small con. They probably couldn't get big names that people wanted. And agreeing with Liliana; Antonio does a lot of things "behind the scenes" really that people dont really notice but its a big impact

I haven't decided what to cosplay- either Andraia from Reboot, or Princess Jasmine. Depending on how much money I have, if Im really broke Ill fix up Enzo. Batgirl is my other choice I got too many ideas

__________________Had a blast at Anime North see you all at the next con!